As a realtor, I have client’s who strongly prefer town life, and others who just as strongly prefer to live in the country. The debate concerning the pros and cons of country life vs. town life is one that is steeped with personal experience. If you grew up in the country, chances are you have a deep affection for the slow living, the wide-open spaces, and the privacy it lends. Likewise, if you grew up in town, you might remember being able to walk to your favorite ice cream shop, swimming in your neighborhood pool with friends, and feel at home with the soft hum of passing cars in the background. Or maybe you have experienced living both in the town and in the country and have your own list of pros and cons based on your time in each place.
I love being a part of these conversations! Today, I want to offer three different areas to compare country life and town life, for those who may be in the deciding phase of which will better suit your family.
- Cost. First of all, from a real estate perspective, let’s look at the differences in cost. Although it is widely believed that living in the country means a lower cost of living, it is difficult to say that confidently without considering all the factors. The amount of land you purchase with the home, the size of your home, how long ago it was built, the current demand for housing in the country vs. in town, among other factors, will all affect the price. And even if your home is less expensive in the country, you may be paying more to commute each day if you work in town. These are all aspects of the decision that I would be more than happy to work through with you in your specific situation!
- Culture. Probably the factor that comes to mind first for most people when comparing life in town vs. in the country is the difference in culture and pace of life. Living out in the country tends to be associated with slower living. We often think of things like being able to grow your own garden, take a walk around your property as the sun sets, and a more quiet life in general. Living in town lends itself to a little more of a fast-paced lifestyle, and you may find yourself spending more time outside of the house with a variety of different activities to engage in. I have found that different stage of life, as well as personal preferences, will affect which setting is a better fit for each client.
- Convenience. When it comes to convenience, many would agree that living in town can’t be beat. To be a short drive, or even walking distance, from grocery stores, coffee shops, your children’s’ school, restaurants, and other amenities means everything you could want is at your fingertips. This is one thing that is difficult to adjust to if you make a move from the town to the country! Of course, for some people, losing the quiet and slow-paced living of the country isn’t worth the trade. It all depends on what you are looking for!
One of the things I love most about opening new doors with my clients is getting to be a part of each unique process. No two clients are the same, and I love the challenge of working with them to find the place that meets their specific desires most fully. If you are in the beginning stages of house hunting or are currently weighing the pros and cons of living in the country vs. living in town, it would be my pleasure to walk through these factors and more with you.
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